It almost seemed
as if Branwell had a chance of getting employment, and I waited to
know the result of his efforts in order to say, dear ---, come and see
us. But the place (a secretaryship to a railway committee) is given
to another person. Branwell still remains at home; and while _he_ is
here, _you_ shall not come. I am more confirmed in that resolution
the more I see of him. I wish I could say one word to you in his
favour, but I cannot. I will hold my tongue. We are all obliged to
you for your kind suggestion about Leeds; but I think our school
schemes are, for the present, at rest."
"Dec. 31st, 1845.
"You say well, in speaking of ---, that no sufferings are so awful as
those brought on by dissipation; alas! I see the truth of this
observation daily proved. --and--must have as weary and burdensome a
life of it in waiting upon their unhappy brother. It seems grievous,
indeed, that those who have not sinned should suffer so largely."
In fact, all their latter days blighted with the presence of cruel,
shameful suffering,--the premature deaths of two at least of the
sisters,--all the great possibilities of their earthly lives snapped
short,--may be dated from Midsummer 1845.
For the last three years of Branwell's life, he took opium habitually, by
way of stunning conscience; he drank moreover, whenever he could get the
opportunity.
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